New foundation supports indigenous people of Mexico

Posted: Friday, Nov 16th, 2012BY: ROSEANN HERNANDEZ

SANTA CRUZ — The public launch of a foundation that aims to preserve one of the last indigenous cultures of Mexico will take place at the Museum of Art & History in downtown Santa Cruz on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

The Huichol Foundation will build on the work started by Brant Secunda, founder of the Dance of the Deer Foundation and Shaman Chocolates, an organic chocolate brand whose profits go towards supporting Huichol villages across the southern part of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Mexico.

Shaman Chocolate is sold in stores throughout the United States and locally at vendors such as Whole Foods, Aptos Market and New Leaf Community Markets.

The launch party will provide guests with an opportunity to learn about the Huichol culture, browse rare photography and art exhibitions, including one of the most exclusive collections of indigenous Huichol art in the world.

Sales from the exhibit will be donated to the Huichol Foundation to support its programs.

In addition to special presentations by community members, a special address will be given by American-born shaman Secunda, who co-founded the Huichol Foundation with his son Nico, on his personal experience living in the Sierra Madre Mountains with the Huichol people.